I came across this info on the CT history page and thought it might apply for few here. I searched our forum and didn't see anything about it, so I thought I would post it.
From the link:
Anyone stationed on Guam from January 9, 1962 through July 31, 1980 is now considered to have been exposed to Agent Orange.
USNCVA Website
One article pointed out Ritidian Beach (NAVFAC) as an area where Agent Orange was used.
We’ve added these 5 new locations to the list of presumptive locations:
Any U.S. or Royal Thai military base in Thailand from January 9, 1962, through June 30, 1976
Laos from December 1, 1965, through September 30, 1969
Cambodia at Mimot or Krek, Kampong Cham Province from April 16, 1969, through April 30, 1969
Guam or American Samoa or in the territorial waters off of Guam or American Samoa from January 9, 1962, through July 31, 1980
Johnston Atoll or on a ship that called at Johnston Atoll from January 1, 1972, through September 30, 1977
If you served on active duty in any of these locations, we’ll automatically assume (or “presume”) that you had exposure to Agent Orange.
This is from VA website.
I guess I got lucky. I stomped around the jungle of Ritidian point from 1983-1985.
I practically lived on the NavFac beach from 1977 to 1980.
This post makes me remember my good friend Leroy Roark.
I was the detailer in 82 and Leroy called and begged me to send
him to Guam which I promptly did. Upon receipt of the orders, he called
me and said "I won't be coming back". I'm pretty sure that he meant that
he intended to retire and stay on Guam but not long after retirement, I learned
that he had cancer and shortly thereafter, he passed away.
Agent orange? Not sure it could ever be proven with our "carbon heavy" early days
but it was a cancer related death so one has to wonder.
Hello John,
Interesting Point. I was stationed in Guam with Leroy and he became part of a local family and was given a piece of land from them. He loved the island and the way of life and was happy to be a huge part of the community. Hence, he and Jan stayed there after retirement. Soon after, he died from cancer. During the time we were stationed there also others died from cancer. Jim Mcuffin, Mac Pope, Lew Howles and possibly Mike Sabin. Also, the two brothers of the family he was adopted into both died at a very young age. These are a few that I am aware of. Coincidence? I suppose we may never know for sure. It certainly makes you think though.
That's interesting John. That's a lot of cancer related deaths to be a coincidence.
The problem lies with both our lifestyles(Most of us smoked like chimneys in those days)
and out work environment which needs no explanation to our community.
Have any idea if Jan is still on Guam or still living for that matter?
Good morning John,
The last I knew many years ago Jan had stayed in Guam. I may be able to find out something from a mutual friend. I will advise.
I lived off base (1971-72)in Barrigada across from the International Airport. Was wondering where the fuel pipeline ran from the south end of the island to Anderson Airforce Base that was mentioned in an article where they supposedly sprayed to keep from being overgrown. Any ideas?
Hello John,
Unfortunately, I struck out. The guy I knew was a good friend of Leroy's and I was confident that he would know Jan's location, but he didn't. Sorry.
John
Appreciate the effort John.
A early Happy Holidays to ya.
J
I was stationed at the NavFac from mid 1968 through late 1969 - check
I have had cardiovascular disease with stents onserted - check
I have had prostate cancer - check
I have peripheral neuropathy in both legs - check
I had a heart attack - check
I have an Abdominal Aortic Anurism with grafted Stent applied.- check
I have High Blood Pressure - check
I have DVT with pulmonary adema - check
So... I guess I might check into this further.
Pushed post once...it posted twice???
Not sure what happened there but I went ahead and deleted one of the posts.
Hey Rick,
This is Willie Glover..we were together in Guam..I hope you remember me. Ive thought about all the guys a lot and I'm glad to finally be able to talk to you.
Doug Doughman called me yesterday and told me about this stuff. I just joined this group today.
I've had Colon cancer twice and had a Genetics Test ran to see if I had the genes that would pass cancer to my kids and it was negative....so I guess thats where I got it. Man I'm sorry you've had all them medical issues.
I hate to talk bout this stuff but I'm glad to see your name on here and maybe we can talk sometime.
I live in Magnolia.Arkansas now.
Hope you're doin good and hope we can talk more....it's been fifty or so years...Ha
take care
Willie
Willie....we received your application to join the association but your email doesn't work. Please contact me at bogey20732@yahoo.com so we can figure out what the problem is.
Thanks,
Nick
Great to hear from you again Willie. I followed you a bit.., pickin on the Grand Ole Opry. When you applied for membership Jack sent me your contact data... so check your email. You have mail Ole buddy!
No reply to email.
Willie,
I'm uploading a 55yo photo of you, Rich Larson, Robert ???, and I that was taken near the Key West Beach Shack. Suckin down some brewskys. Bob Koutelis took the shot. He always had his camera in tow. Those were some great times.
Rick
Ì'll put it in the NAVFAC Guam folder..
No upload being accepted...
Hey Rick,
I have the photo upload turned off because bravenet broke it on us
I am trying to come up with a suitable alternative that we can use
main issue is that bravenet says they cannot give me a dump of the current library so if i just go with a different solution we will be in danger of losing what we have.
but i am working on it
meanwhile, please send the pic to me with the description you want and i will put it up
Thanks Russ,
The prototype looks darn good. Thanks for the manual add of the photo.